Fremantle Dockers to host two Thursday night footy games in first 16 rounds as AFL ramps up weekday presence

Fremantle will host two Thursday night fixtures in a season for the first time ever next year, with the AFL ramping up its presence in the weekday timeslot.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THE THURSDAY GAMES

The Dockers are set to play two powerhouse Victorian clubs in the blockbuster clashes, taking on Collingwood at Optus Stadium on May 8, before another home Thursday night fixture against Essendon on June 19.

Justin Longmuir’s side may well earn another Thursday call-up in the final third of the season, with another seven games to be scheduled in the timeslot as part of the floating fixture after round 15.

Freo have played just three Thursday night fixtures in club history, most recently a 69-point loss to Geelong at Optus in 2021.

West Coast are one of three clubs shut out of Thursday night scheduling through the first 16 rounds, along with Sydney and GWS.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was thrilled to ramp up the Thursday presence next season.

“There has been a strong desire from fans and our broadcast partners for more Thursday night football and we are excited to be able to deliver in spades next season,” he said.

“Fans will be able to take in a total of 23 games of Thursday night football next season, which is more than there has ever been.”

There were 14 Thursday night games in 2024, an increase from the 12 matches in 2023 and nine in 2022.

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY IN 2025

• Opening round: Brisbane v Geelong, Gabba, March 6
• Round 1: Richmond v Carlton, MCG, March 13
• Round 2: Carlton v Hawthorn, March 20
• Round 3: Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, March 27
• Round 4: Collingwood v Carlton, MCG, April 3
• Round 5: Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, April 10
• Round 6: Brisbane v Collingwood, Gabba, April 17
• Round 7: Melbourne v Richmond, MCG, April 24
• Round 8: Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, May 1
• Round 9: Fremantle v Collingwood, Optus Stadium, May 8
• Round 10: Gold Coast v Hawthorn, TIO Stadium, May 15
• Round 11: Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, May 22
• Round 12: Brisbane v Essendon, Gabba, May 29
• Round 13: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, June 5
• Round 14: St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, June 12
• Round 15: Fremantle v Essendon, Optus Stadium, June 19